Metal awning assembly



Oct. 13, 1964 D. A. SMITH METAL AWNING ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 20, 1963 INVENTOR DURWARD .4. SMITH ATTORNEY Oct. 13, 1964 D. A. SMITH 3,152,370

METAL AWNING ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 20, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR DUR WA RD 4. SM! TH ATTORNEY United States hated: @ifhce BJEZBW Patented et. 13, 1954 3,152,370 METAL AVVNn QG ASSEMBLY Durward A. Smith, Pi}. Box 52, Salem Station, Winston-Salem, NJC. Filed Sept. 29, 1953, Ser. No. 319,294 7 Claims. (Ci. 2 -57.5)

This invention relates to metal awnings of the rigid, ventilated type embodying roll-formed, channel-shaped, sheet metal components, and consists more particularly in new and useful improvements in a reinforcing stringer assembly for such components.

An object of the invention is to provide in an awning of this character, an improved stringer assembly which may be easily installed and which is designed to provide support in all directions.

Another object is to provide a stringer assembly which is particularly adaptable for use with awnings embodying roll-formed, interlocking, sheet metal components which are shipped in knock-down condition and assembled on the job.

A further object of the invention is to provide a longitudinally adjustable stringer assembly designed to facilitate its use with awnings of slightly varying dimensions.

A still further object of the invention is to devise a locking bracket for awning stringers which is adapted to provide lateral support for the awning side panels, as well as to prevent the latter from relative vertical displacement.

V/ith the above and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel features herein set forth, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings in which numerals of like character designate similar parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of awning, partly broken away to illustrate the stringer assembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective detail of one of the locking brackets for the stringers;

FIG. 3 is a view of said locking bracket in end elevation;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 4, showing one form of stringer assembly with the roof removed for clarity, but with one roof component shown in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a similar view of a modified stringer installation;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional detail taken on line 77 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail of an auxiliary lock and spacing element.

In the drawings, referring first to PEG. 1, the awning per se is indicated generally by the numeral 1 and comprises the usual downwardly in lined top 2 which terminates at its forward extremity in a vertical valance 3 and is enclosed on opposite sides by vertical side members 4. The opposite or upper end of the top 2 is provided with a conventional, transversely extending support member 5 which serves the additional purpose of a flashing for the awning.

The topZ and sides 4 are each formed by a series of elongated, channel-shaped sheet metal panels provided on opposed longitudinal edges with oppositely bent, interlocking flanges of more or less conventional design. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 4, the top consists of two sets of panels and 7. The opposite longitudinal edges of panels 6 are bent downwardly to form locking flanges 6a, while the corresponding longitudinal edges of panels 7 are bent upwardly to form coacting flanges 7a, and the cross-sectional profiles of the respective flanges 6a and 7a are so contoured that when they are disposed in overlapping relation, each flange engages and grips the adjacent flange of an adjoining panel to form a contiguous top. This same interlocking relationship is continued in the valance portions 612 and 7b of the top panels.

Similarly, the side walls 4 comprise two series of elongated sheet metal panels 8 and 9, alternately arranged in edgewise, interlocking relation by means of bent flanges 8a and 9a, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6; the alternate panels 9 being inwardly offset with respect to the panels 8, as in the case of the top panels 7 which are inwardly offset with respect to the panels 6, as seen in FIG. 4.

The complementary curled flanges of the various panels enable their assembly in interlocking relation as shown in FIG. 1, with the outermost flanges 6a of the outermost panels 6 overlying the upper extremities of the side panels 8 and 9, and the outermost flanges 6a of the valance portions 6b overlying the longitudinal edges of the forwardmost side panels 8. Thus, each panel tends to retain in place the adjacent panel [0 form a contiguous top and sides. The upper extremities of each of the panels 8 and 9 are provided with outwardly turned lips and 9b respectively, the former coacting with the overlying flanges 6a of the outermost top panels 6, and the latter facilitating the installation of the stringer assembly to be described.

The main feature of the present invention resides in the stringer assembly which coacts with the various panels of the top and sides, previously described. One or more of these stringer assemblies may be employed, depending upon the size of the awning, but a description of one such assembly will suflice for a clear understanding of the invention.

The stringer per se comprises an elongated, substantially U-shaped channel bar 10 of a length to extend transversely substantially across the underside of the top 2 with its open side directly underlying the alternate top panels 6 and 7. In order to accommodate the alternately offset relationship of the top panels, the upper longitudinal edges of the channel are provided with cut-outs 11 to receive and lock with the inwardly offset panels 7, said cut-outs being contoured at opposite extremities, as shown in FIG. 4, to complement and receive the overlapping locking flanges 5a and 7a. Thus, the main transverse support of the top and the basic locking of the panels in a contiguous top member is effected by the stringer channels.

The opposite open ends of the stringer channel are adapted to slidably receive a locking bracket such as shown in FIG. 2, and generally indicated by the numeral 12. Each of these locking brackets is formed of sheet metal having a certain degree of resiliency and bent substantially U-shaped in cross-section. A longitudinal slot 13 extends from end to end at the base of the U, thus providing two oppositely disposed side walls 14 which are normally tensioned outwardly in directions away from one another, but which may be urged together due to the slot 13. The walls 14 are joined at their edges defining the slot 13 by a transverse top web 15 which extends longitudinally substantially midway of the walls 14, and the latter are out out as at 16 to accommodate the inwardly offset panels 7 as will be later described and as shown in FIG. 4.

The end of the web 15 opposite the cut-outs 16 projects slightly beyond the longitudinal extremities of the walls 14, and is provided with a downwardly and inwardly, reversely curved locking rim 17 which extends transversely across the bracket 12 and coacts with the out-turned lips 3b or 912 in the final assembly of the awning, as will later appear. In order to prevent the overlapping of the opposed edges of the curved walls 14 adjacent the slot 13, these edges are preferably provided at one or more points with indented abutments 18 which are longitudinally olfset with respect to one another, and each of which is ar- 3 ranged to abut the edge of the opposite wall 14 if the walls are tensioned into contact.

When the awning is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, one of the locking brackets 12 is slidably inserted in each of the opposite ends of the stringer channel bars per se. The cut-outs 16 in the walls 14 of the bracket accommodate the overlapping locking flanges 6a and 7a of the offset top panels 6 and 7 respectively, and the locking rims 17 engage and grip the corresponding out-turned lips 9b at the top of the inwardly oflset panels 9, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. In the event the stringer assembly is installed to coact with the outwardly oflset panels 8, the locking rim 17 engages the out-turned lips 8b, as shown in FIG. 6, as will be later described.

Returning to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the abutment of the cut-outs 16 with the overlapping locking flanges 6a and 7a prevents the inward movement of the panels 9, and outward movement of said panels is prevented by the respective locking flanges 8a and Qa at opposite edges of the panels 9. Outward movement of the panels 8 is prevented by the engagement of their upper ends with the outermost overlapping locking flanges 6a of the outermost panels 6 of the top. Downward vertical displacement of the panels 8 and 9 is respectively prevented by the coaction of locking flanges 6a with lips 8b and of the locking rims 17 with the out-turned lips 9b.

To add further stability to the stringer assembly, bolts 19 may be inserted through the stringer channels 113 and the walls 14 of the locking brackets 12.

With the arrangement described, it will be seen that each of the top panels 6 and 7 coacts to prevent lateral displacement of the adjacent top panels, and the outermost locking flanges of the outermost top panels 6 provide a general support for all of the side panels against outward displacement through the interlocking flanges of respective panels. Transverse horizontal support is provided by the stringer assemblies 10 which extend entirely across the top 2, and the locking rims 17 of the locking brackets 12 prevent vertical displacement of the side panels to which they are connected.

As before stated, the locking brackets may be arranged to engage either the inwardly offset panels 9 or the outwardly oflset panels 8. In the latter case, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking rims 17 engage the out-turned lips 8b of the panel 8, and although the roof panels are not shown in this particular figure, it is to be understood that the downturned locking flanges 6a of the outermost panels 6 overlie the coacting locking rim 17 and out-turned lips Sb to provide further support against vertical displacement of the side panels.

In addition to the stringer assemblies just described, it may be desirable to employ supplemental spacers, generally indicated at 20, adjacent the upper end of the top 2, located as shown in FIG. 1 in dotted lines. More specifically, these spacers 20, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, consist of substantially U-shaped sheet metal bodies 21 having lugs 22 projecting at one end for engagement with the out-turned lips 8a of the side wall panels 8. The opposite end of each of the spacers is provided with two projecting lugs 23 and contiguous recesses 24, jointly contoured to coincide with the contours of the locking flanges 7a of the adjacent top panels 7. Thus, when installed as shown in FIG. 7, inward movement of the panels 8 is prevented by the intervening spacers 20, and outward movement of the panels 8 is prevented by the coaction of the locking flanges 6a with the out-turned locking lips 8a, as previously described.

It will thus be seen that through the coacting arrangement of the various adjacent panels of both the top and sides, the stringer assembly and auxiliary spacers provide adequate support in all directions, without the necessity of additional supporting means. Furthermore, by the adjustable relationship of the locking brackets with respect to the stringers per se, precision cutting of the stringers from the standpoint of length is unnecessary. In other words, if a stringer is a bit too short, the slidable relation of the locking bracket permits its adjustment for proper engagement with the out-turned locking lips of the side panels 8 or 9.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the invention may be readily understood by those skilled in the art without further description, it being borne in mind that numerous changes may be made in the details disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. An awning comprising a top and side walls formed of elongated channel-shaped panels, respectively connected by oppositely directed, interlocking, longitudinal edge flanges, said panels being alternately inwardly and outwardly offset with respect to one another, a stringer assembly consisting of a substantially U-shaped channel bar transversely underlying said top substantially from one side to the other and having cut-out areas to accommodate the offset relationship of said panels, locking brackets slida'ole longitudinally into and disposed in opposite ends of said channel bar, transversely arranged, inwardly curled locking rims formed on respective brackets, and out-turned, laterally disposed locking lips formed on the upper ends of at least certain of said side panels in locking engagement with the adjacent locking rims of respective brackets, whereby horizontal support is provided for said top, and said side panels are reinforced against inward, outward and vertical displacement.

2. An awning as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking lips are formed on certain inwardly oifset panels,

and said outwardly offset panels are provided with outturned locking lips, engageable by the respective outermost longitudinal edge flanges of the outermost of said top panels.

3. An awning as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking brackets are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, complementary to said U-shaped channel bar, a horizontal web joining the opposite upper edges of each bracket and supporting respective locking rims.

4. An awning as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said brackets is of resilient material and longitudinally slit at the base of its U, the opposite walls thereof being normally tensioned outwardly with respect to one another for frictional engagement with adjacent walls of said channel bar.

5. An awning as claim in claim 3, wherein each of said brackets is longitudinally slit at the base of its U, and the opposite walls thereof are normally tensioned outwardly with respect to one another for frictional engagement with the adjacent walls of said channel bar, the opposed longitudinal edges bounding respective slits being provided with relatively offset, raised abutments, respectively engageable by the opposite boundary edge to prevent overlapping.

6. An awning as claimed in claim 1, including auxiliary spacers interposed between the interlocked edge flanges of the outermost top panels and the upper extremities of certain adjacent side panels to provide lateral support for the latter.

7. An awning as claimed in claim 6, wherein the opposite edges of said spacers are respectively contoured to complement the contours of said interlocked edge flanges and the out-turned, laterally disposed locking lips formed on the upper ends of the adjacent side panels.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,814,999 Reeves Dec. 3, 1957 2,830,334 Schroyer Apr. 15, 1958 3,015,135 Dean et al. Jan. 2, 1962 

1. AN AWNING COMPRISING A TOP AND SIDE WALLS FORMED OF ELONGATED CHANNEL-SHAPED PANELS, RESPECTIVELY CONNECTED BY OPPOSITELY DIRECTED, INTERLOCKING, LONGITUDINAL EDGE FLANGES, SAID PANELS BEING ALTERNATELY INWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY OFFSET WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER, A STRINGER ASSEMBLY CONSISTING OF A SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPED CHANNEL BAR TRANSVERSELY UNDERLYING SAID TOP SUBSTANTIALLY FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER AND HAVING CUT-OUT AREAS TO ACCOMMODATE THE OFFSET RELATIONSHIP OF SAID PANELS, LOCKING BRACKETS SLIDABLE LONGITUDINALLY INTO AND DISPOSED IN OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID CHANNEL BAR, TRANSVERSELY ARRANGED, INWARDLY CURLED LOCKING RIMS FORMED ON RESPECTIVE BRACKETS, AND OUT-TURNED, LATERALLY DISPOSED LOCKING LIPS FORMED ON THE UPPER ENDS OF AT LEAST CERTAIN OF SAID SIDE PANELS IN LOCKING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ADJACENT LOCKING RIMS OF RESPECTIVE BRACKETS, WHEREBY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT IS PROVIDED FOR SAID TOP, AND SAID SIDE PANELS ARE REINFORCED AGAINST INWARD, OUTWARD AND VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT. 